Automatic Identification System (AIS)

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) utilizes VHF radio waves over short distances and enables ships and coastal stations sharing and acquiring key data, such as vessel identity, position, course, and speed.

AIS boosts maritime safety and environmental protection by increasing situational awareness and preventing collisions and functioning as a digital tracking system for both commercial and passenger ships.

Operation principle

Vessels equipped with transponders transmit various data using VHF frequencies, including information about the vessel, its speed, destination, estimated time of arrival and course over ground (COG). This information is available to anyone with an AIS receiver.

Technical specifications

AIS is a radio communication system used for small vessel tracking and identification.